Train derailed near Kosgama station

A train heading to Colombo Fort from Avissawella on the Kelani Valley line derailed this morning near the Kosgama railway station

Survey report on issues faced by indigenous community unveiled

A survey report on the issues faced by the indigenous community in Sri Lanka compiled by the Institute for Policy Alternatives was unveiled yesterday and Vedda Chief Uruwarige Wannila Attho with other people from the indigenous community participated in the ceremony. Pix by Pradeep Pathirana

First Miss USA to win in 10 years!

R’Bonney Gabriel of the United States was crowned Miss Universe on Saturday night, beating out contenders from 83 countries across the globe. She became the first Filipina-American to win the competition in its seven-decade history. (Daily Mail)

IUSF protesters tear-gassed

Police fired tear gas and used water cannons to disperse the Inter University Students Federation (IUSF) protestors at St. Anthony’s Road Kollupitiya this evening. Due to protests, the Duplication Road in Kollupitiya has been closed to motor traffic. Pix by Nimalsiri Edirisinghe

Routine Police inspection

Officers from the Dam street police station today conducted their biannual inspection. The inspection team headed by SSP Central Colombo Lalith Leelaratne. The dam street police OIC CI Ajith Peduruarachchi accompanied the routine inspection team. Pix by Nimalsiri Edirisinghe

Independence amidst economic crisis

Hype of activities are witnessed at Galle Face Colombo where preparations are ongoing for the 75th Independence Day Celebrations on February 4. Pix by Nisal Baduge

China announces donation of 1,000 solar generators

A delegation of the Community Party of China announced the donation of 1,000 solar generators to Sri Lanka to tide over the current electricity crisis. Yesterday, Vice Minister Chen Zhou of the International Department of the party made a symbolic donation of a few generators to the representatives of the key political parties in Colombo after a briefing session on the National Congress of China.

Kite festival in Jaffna

A kite festival was organized yesterday (15) on the occasion of Thaipongal day at Udayasuriyan beach in Velvettithurai, Jaffna. This kite festival is held at the same time as Thaipongal day every year. Thousands of people had come to watch the kite festival. The organizers of the festival gave gold gifts to the first, second and third winners of the kite flying competition. Pix by Romesh Madushanka

Celebrating Thai Pongal

Devotees are celebrating the Thai Pongal festival today. A group of devotees gathered at the Sivan Kovil (Sri Ponnambalam Vanesar Kovil) in Kochchikade, Colombo to engage in religious rites in view of the Hindu festival. Pix by Kushan Pathiraja

Seethawaka Odyssey launched

The ‘Seethawaka Odyssey’, special train service from Colombo Fort to the Waga Railway Station, commenced operations today at Colombo Fort Railway Station.

136th Anniversary of St. Paul’s Girls’ School

The 136th Anniversary of St. Paul’s Girls’ School, Milagiriya was held with an all-night Pirith chanting ceremony with the instructions of school’s Principal Dr.J. Sumedha Jayaweera. Pix by Pradeep Dilrukshana

Justice delivered?

Archbishop of Colombo Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith speaks to the media where the catholic church called for prosecution of Former Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena and others including police officers attached to the intelligence unit who were found guilty by the Supreme Court for their failure to prevent the Easter Sunday attacks in 2019. Pix by Pradeep Pathirana

INCO 2023 kicks off at BMICH

INCO 2023 Industrial Exhibition which is the largest engineering related most CUSTOMER FOCUSED Exhibition opened at the BMICH today with the participation of Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardane and Industry Minister Ramesh Pathirana. It will be held until Sunday (15). Pix by Kithsiri De Mel

Judgement delivered...

A group of Catholic priests leaving the Supreme Court complex following the landmark judgment in connection with the Easter Sunday Attacks. Pix Samanatha Perera

SLFP forms alliance for LG polls

An event was organized at the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) headquarters for the SLFP to join hands with several parties including the SLPP independent group for the upcoming election. Pix by Pradeep Dilrukshana

Bring down bank interest rates immediately

The Government Service Trade Union Collective (GSTUC) yesterday staged a protest in front of the Fort Railway station, demanding the government bring down the increased bank interest rates immediately. Pix by Nimalsiri Edirisinghe

Annul proposed power tariff hike

The Joint Trade Union Orgaization staged a protest in front of Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) headquarters today against the proposed power tariff hike. Pix By Pradeep Dilrukshana

Free Wasantha Mudalige

Placing signature on 1000 affidavits seeking the release of activist Wasantha Mudalige who is currently in remand was signed yesterday at Galle Face. The affidavits are to be submitted to the judiciary. Pix by Pradeep Pathirana

SWRD Bandaranaike's 127th birth anniversary commemorated

The 127th birth anniversary of late Prime Minister S.W.R.D Bandaranaike was commemorated near his statue at the Galle Face Green today. Former President Chandrika Bandaranayake, Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardana and several ministers offered floral tributes to the late PM’s statue. Pix by Nimalsiri Edirisinghe

Petition against electricity tariff hike...

The electricity consumers’ front led by a group of monks including Venerable Omalpe Sobitha Thera today handed over a petition against the proposed Power tariff hike to Public Utilities Commission. Pix by Nisal Baduge

14th Death Anniversary of Lasantha

The 14th Death Anniversary of the late Sunday Leader Editor Lasantha Wickrematunge was commemorated today at Borella Cemetery with the participation of his family members, several politicians and civil activists. Pix by Kithsiri de Mel

Vivaha 2023 at BMICH

The ’Vivaha 2023’ bridal exhibition was launched today at the Bandaranaike Memorial International Conferance Hall (BMICH) as the first event in the year. The exhibition will continue until Sunday (6). The exhibition will offer amazings price discounts on packages and many more exciting offers for to be couples. Pix by Kithsiri de Mel

Observing Duruthu Poya

Picture shows devotees are engaged in religious observance at the Kelaniya Raja Maha Viharaya to mark the Duruthu Poya Day, this morning. This is a key religious and historic date in the calendar for Sri Lankans as it marks Gautama Buddha’s first visit to Sri Lanka on the ninth month after attaining Enlightenment. Pix by Pradeep Pathirana

Pure electric motorcycles for thrills

SATVA automotive yesterday introduced pure electric motorcycles range (Street Hunter TS, CPX, CUX and VS2) which can do a maximum range of 200km in a single charge.

Sanjanana 2023

The second edition of ’’Sanjanana 2023,’’ organized by the UNESCO club of Royal College, Colombo, was held at the Nawarangahala yesterday. Students showcased various cultural performances that highlighted Sri Lankan culture and arts. Pix by Kithsiri De Mel

Kelaniya Duruthu Maha Perahera begins

The annual Duruthu Maha Perahera of the Kelaniya Rajamaha Viharaya was held last night. Chairman of the temple Dayaka Sabha Dr. Saman Weerasinghe was invited to place the casket on the tusker by the Chancellor of the University of Kelaniya and Chief Incumbent (Viharadhipati) of the historic Kelaniya Rajamaha Viharaya Kollupitiye Mahinda Sangharakkhitha Thera. Pix by Nimalsiri Edirisinghe

IUSF urges Wasantha Mudalige freed

Members of the Inter-University Student Federation (IUSF) today staged a silent protest in front of the Hulftsdorp Court complex, demanding the release of IUSF convener Wasantha Mudalige. Pix Nisal Baduge

Community kitchen program at Gangaramaya

A community kitchen activity, which benefits 2,500 families, will be run daily for 40 days starting January 1 at Hunupitiya Gangaramaya Temple. Pix By Pradeep Pathirana

Enjoy life, Gota style!

Former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa who is currently on a holiday in UAE, visited the Fame Park by Saif Belhasa. He was forced out of office in June last year.

Calling to end Ranil-Rajapaksa regime

A protest was held today by the Frontline Socialist Party (FSP) in front of the Fort Railway Station calling to end the Ranil-Rajapaksa regime, which they accused of committing economic crimes and plunging the nation into crisis. Pix by Pradeep Pathirana.